By Suleiman Abubakar MAPSA
The formal defection of Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday stirred a heated debate among lawmakers from both parties.
Senator Nwoko confirmed his defection in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, which was read during plenary.
He cited the persistent crisis in the PDP as the reason for his departure, calling on the Senate to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the internal issues plaguing the party and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
Part of Nwoko’s letter read:
"The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership.
These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy."
The senator warned against the dangers of a one-party state and stressed the importance of a strong opposition to ensure accountability and balance in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The announcement, however, led to a disagreement in the Senate.
The Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, described Nwoko’s defection as illegal, arguing that there was no faction in the PDP to justify his move. Moro maintained that internal differences were not enough reason to abandon the party, adding that the PDP remained united despite its challenges.
In response, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele countered that the crisis in the PDP, particularly the legal tussle over the party’s National Secretary position, was sufficient justification for Nwoko’s defection. He pointed out that the matter was still in court, indicating the instability within the party.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio declined Nwoko’s request to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the PDP crisis, noting that the issue was already in court.
Nwoko’s defection boosts the APC’s majority in the Senate. With his addition, the APC now has 64 senators, while the PDP holds 33 seats.
The Labour Party has five senators, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have two each, and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has one.
Two Senate seats remain vacant following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South) and the emergence of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the governor of Edo State.
